IT’S the cheeky protest with a serious message that is guaranteed to turn a few heads – and this year it’s set to be bigger than ever.

Wearing nothing but helmets, scores of people will take to the streets of Southampton on two wheels as the Naked Bike Ride comes to town for the third time.

The bold and brazen protestors will set out in the buff from Southampton Common on a tour of the city to encourage people to dump the car and go green.

Click below to see last year's event

Organiser Rob Jordan said the ride, which started in Southampton in 2006, was about having fun while putting across a serious message.

He said: “One of the points of the ride is to draw attention to bikes as a main form of transport and get people enthusiastic about bikes.

“We also want to highlight road safety and hopefully get drivers to think a bit more about cyclists on the roads.

“Getting naked for the ride obviously draws attention to our protest but it’s also about having fun.

“Everyone seems to really enjoy it, both riders and spectators, and it creates a huge amount of enthusiasm for cycling.

“The ride is a relaxing, joyful way for us to make our case.”

Click below to see the 2007 ride

The route is still being finalised but after setting off from the Common at 6pm on June 12 the ride is likely to pass through Portswood and take a tour of the city centre before returning to the start location via The Avenue.

Rob added: “We had about 160 riders taking part last year and this year is set to be even bigger.

“Anyone can take part and it’s up to you how naked you get.”

Staff from the Art House will be providing body painting before the event for those wanting to add a bit of colour to the ride.

The event is part of World Naked Bike Ride which has grown in popularity since its inception in 2004.

More than 1,500 riders took part in Naked Bike Rides around the UK last year.